Family of brave girl beating the odds despite desperate need for new home

A FUNDRAISER BEING HELD FOR THE HOSPICE THAT PROVIDES A 'SAFE HAVEN'

- By DEBORAH HALL

THERE can be no doubt that life is difficult for the Allen family of Bransholme. Much of the space in their two-bedroom council house is devoted to the care of six-year-old Ivy, who has complex medical needs.

She has to live downstairs, her mum has not been able to bath her for almost two years, and Ivy's 14-year-old brother, Josh, has to spend much of his time in his bedroom because there is generally no other space where he can be.

Many of Ivy's regular care interventions need to be carried out away from the property, for lack of space or in the interests of safety.

Despite a long-running dialogue with Hull City Council about the family’s circumstances and their desperate need for somewhere bigger that is adapted, or can be adapted, for Ivy's needs, the Allens battle on.

Although Betsy and husband Danny were told to prepare for Ivy's death two-and-a-half years ago, with no more treatments available on the NHS, she is still here.

The family are currently fundraising for Martin House Children’s Hospice, which provides a “safe haven” to enjoy a break while the Allens have respite from managing her condition.